Texas Regulations

Regulatory Update

While many municipalities are just beginning to introduce benchmarking and disclosure mandates, others have long ago moved full-steam ahead. In Austin, TX, The Energy Conservation Audit and Disclosure (ECAD) ordinance went into effect in 2009. The ordinance requires commercial building owners occupying 10,000 sq. ft. or larger spaces in Austin, and who procure electricity from Austin Energy, to benchmark and report their energy use rating by June 1st each year. While fines for noncompliance can reach $2,000, business owners there have realized significant efficiency gains, cost reduction and reduced environmental impact on the heels of the ordinance.

Water is also a major factor in Western states like Texas. Often the best preparation for impending legislative action is proactive conservation. Find out why that makes good business sense, too. Read our blog post, Increasing Water Costs Raise Many Questions.